<![CDATA[GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE - News]]>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:48:08 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[NEW ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS sworn in]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:18:26 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/welcome-to-new-assistant-district-attorney​We proudly welcome Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Arbatowicz to our office. Elizabeth was recently sworn in by the Honorable Scott L. Ballard. Elizabeth joins us after serving in the Henry County Solicitor General’s Office. Prior to her time with the Solicitor’s Office, Elizabeth served as a felony prosecutor in the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office. We are also thrilled to welcome Assistant District Attorney Heather Tucker to our office. Heather was sworn in recently by the Honorable Rhonda B. Kreuziger. She joins our office after serving many years in Fulton County State Court. Welcome both of you to our team!
]]><![CDATA[GUILTY PLEA IN PEACHTREE CITY CHILD MOLESTATION CASE]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:15:19 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/guilty-plea-in-peachtree-city-child-molestation-casePress Release
For Immediate Release
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On June 2nd, 2026, the State called the case of The State of Georgia v. Jefferson Thurmond to trial in front of the Honorable Scott L. Ballard. The State was represented by Administrative Chief Assistant District Attorney Monique Harris. The case was investigated by Detective Anna Lieff of the Peachtree City Police Department. Prior to the jury being questioned and selected, Thurmond entered a guilty plea to two counts of Child Molestation and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 60 years to serve 40 years in custody with the balance on probation.
Had this case proceeded with trial, the State was prepared to present evidence showing that the victim in this case reported that about 10 years ago, while she was a minor, she was sexually assaulted by the Defendant, her mother’s boyfriend at the time. These acts occurred while at her home in Peachtree City, GA and again at a home in Coweta County, GA. The victim was motivated to come forward after finding out the Defendant had recently started sharing a room with his minor granddaughter, which caused her concern for the safety of that child. A few weeks ago, prior to the plea in Fayette County, the Defendant was found guilty by a Coweta County jury for the acts he committed there against this victim and other minors. The State was prepared to present evidence of those crimes in the trial here in Fayette County. While the defense requested that the State not proceed with the Fayette County charges, given his conviction and sentence in Coweta County, it was important to the State and victims that he be held accountable for each of his actions and the years of abuse he inflicted upon the victim here as well.
Acting District Attorney David Studdard said after sentencing, “I am very proud of my office for their dedication to victims of these horrific crimes. I am equally proud of the victim in this case, a very courageous young woman who was brave enough to come forward and ensured that this predator met with justice.”]]><![CDATA[LAW STUDENT INTERN RETURNS FOR THIRD YEAR]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:12:16 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/law-student-intern-returns-for-third-year​We are pleased to have Jacob Hunt return to our office for his third summer as a law student intern. Jacob assists in the office and courtroom under the Georgia Law School Public Prosecutor's Act and is assigned to our Appeals Division. Our office is committed to inspiring and teaching the next generation of attorneys. If you are a law student interested in interning in one of our offices, submit your resume to HR Director Hannah Kennedy at: hkennedy@pacga.org
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]]><![CDATA[D.A.'s OFFICE CELEBRATES NATIONAL POLICE WEEK]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:07:28 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/das-office-celebrates-national-police-week​As we conclude Police Week, I am reminded of the service and sacrifice of our Law Enforcement officers. As a retired Police Officer, I'm intimately familiar with what it takes to do the job of a law enforcement officer. Long hours spent away from family, heartbreaking calls, and dangerous situations day in and day out. I am grateful every single day for them and the difficult job they do. Salute a hero today. Thank you to all of our Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, Georgia State Troopers, GBI Agents, Probation Officers, Marshals and all of our Federal Agencies. And remember all who made the ultimate sacrifice.
David Studdard
Acting District Attorney
]]><![CDATA[PEACHTREE CITY POLICE CITIZEN'S ACADEMY HEARS PRESENTATION FROM THE D.A. OFFICE]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 18:52:20 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/peachtree-city-police-citizens-academy-hears-presentation-from-the-da-office​Senior Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Richardson presented a class on the District Attorney’s Office functions and post-arrest procedures to the Peachtree City Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy recently. This class introduces citizens to all aspects of law enforcement from arrest to prosecution. This is the 4th year our office has presented to the Citizen's Police Academy and it's been a great opportunity for us to meet people in the community and talk about the role of the District Attorney's Office.
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]]><![CDATA[SUN CITY PEACHTREE RESIDENTS MEET ACTING DISTRICT ATTORNEY STUDDARD]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 18:48:46 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/sun-city-peachtree-residents-meet-acting-district-attorney-studdardRecently, Acting District Attorney David Studdard had the opportunity to speak to residents at Sun City Peachtree in Spalding County. Mr. Studdard updated everyone on recent changes at the District Attorney's Office and gave an overview of the functions and mission of the office. "We had a great gathering of folks who asked some really good questions. I look forward to speaking with them again soon", said David Studdard.
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]]><![CDATA[Community Softball event held in griffin]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:12:01 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/community-softball-event-held-in-spalding-co​Acting District Attorney David Studdard, along with Senior Assistant District Attorney Audrey Holliday had a great time supporting our public safety community at Sunday's "Community Softball Game" event held at the City Park in Griffin. The Griffin Police Department, led by Chief Frank Strickland, played against the Thomaston Police Department, led by Chief Mike Richardson. Afterwards, Griffin PD played members of the community. It was a wonderful day to bring our public safety folks together with the community we serve. Congratulations to all who participated. Well done!
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]]><![CDATA[careing paws visits the district attorney office]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:09:52 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/april-13th-2026The District Attorney's Office had a wonderful visit recently with some very special guests. The folks at CAREing Paws stopped by and introduced us to Briley, Snoopy and Yola. These amazing service dogs help with crime victims, particularly children and vulnerable adults. Our crime victims are often traumatized twice; once by the crime and then by the process of testifying. This can be very stressful for victims, particularly children. These service dogs specialize in comforting and calming anxious and scared victim/witnesses as they prepare to testify. "My office is exploring a potential relationship with CAREing Paws and today was a great first step in what will hopefully become a wonderful relationship for us and our victims", said Acting District Attorney David Studdard. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of this amazing program!
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]]><![CDATA[ACTING D.A. STUDDARD SPEAKS TO JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL CLASS]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:45:21 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/acting-da-studdard-speaks-to-john-marshall-law-school-class​Recently, Acting District Attorney, David Studdard had the opportunity to speak to students at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School. Mr. Studdard spoke to Professor Alison Prout's White Collar Crimes class. Mr. Studdard also took the opportunity to invite students who were considering a career in criminal prosecution to visit the District Attorney's office and to explore internship opportunities. "I was thrilled to be invited back to John Marshall to speak, and I'm so glad I could talk to these students about my experiences there and about the rewarding career I have established since leaving", Mr. Studdard said.
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]]><![CDATA[2026 CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN SYMPOSIUM]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:34:36 GMThttps://www.dagriffincircuit.org/news/2026-champions-for-children-symposium​Acting District Attorney David Studdard delivered welcoming remarks at today's "Champions for Children" 2026 Symposium, held at the UGA campus in Griffin. The program was presented by the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center and featured several speakers including our own Chief Assistant District Attorney Kate Lenhard, presenting information for law enforcement officers, prosecutors and other multidisciplinary professionals, exploring key issues in child abuse and child sexual assault response. We are thrilled to see so many dedicated professionals from the Griffin Circuit and beyond take time to attend this important event.
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